Assignment: Basic Proposal Structure
(Based on the "Basic Features" section in the Proposing a Solution Chapter of The St. Martin's Guide to Writing.
The Basic Features
I: Introduction: Define Problem, State Solution
II: Examine Problem Further (if needed)
III: Explain Alternative Solutions (ones that have been tried but failed)
IV. Present Your Solution in Detail + Benefits
V. Conclusion: Restate severity of Problem + benefits
The Basic Features with Elaboration
I. Introduction
a. Leads to thesis sentence/question at end of first or second paragraph.
b. Thesis statement defines solution for reader, or, hints at a solution but doesn't come right out with it. Instead, it defines problem and foreshadows a statement of solution later in essay.
A: Introduction to thesis statement
Should define problem, in one or two paragraphs, by specific methods:
1. Specific example of problem; specific case.
2. Historical example of problem; background on evolution of problem.
3. Show people being affected by problem.
4. Pose your solution/thesis at end of first or second paragraph.
II: Further Examination of Problem (Maybe)
1. Examine problem thoroughly in current social context. Purpose: to show reader the severity/magnitude of the problem; relate it to specific, real events. One or two paragraphs should suffice.
and/or
2. Examine problem thoroughly in a historical context; this relates back to introduction but expands the magnitude of essay.
3. Last sentence of each paragraph should cue the topic/subject of the next paragraph. What should be cued? Either further detailed discussion of problem, or begin to explain alternative solutions that have not worked.
III: Examine Alternative Solutions
1. Analyze first alternative solution; explain its full process, in detail, and its results.
2. Refutation: Diminish the effectiveness of the alternative solution by pointing out its weaknesses. A paragraph should suffice for detailed elaboration on each weakness of solution.
3. Repeat steps one and two above, depending on the number of alternative solutions you've decided to address.
IV. Your Solution
1. Define your own solution, in detail, in a step-by-step manner, in two or three paragraphs. The number of paragraphs depends on how many points your solution entails. Remember, you are directing the reader to take action.
2. In two or three paragraphs, explain to reader the benefits of each point of your solutions, relating to feasibility and the positive impact your solution will have on society.
3. It's also an option to integrate alternative solutions into your own solution, pointing out how your solution (steps of action) would be more likely than the alternative solution's to solve the problem.
V. Conclusion
1. Restate severity of problem; negative benefits of alternative solutions, then;
2. Restate benefits of solution and leave reader with overall statement of the positive effect your solution will have.
A Note on Transitions:
Make sure that the last sentence of each paragraph cues the topic sentence of the next paragraph; the reverse is also true.
Each sentence is an idea, thus each subsequent idea (sentence) should follow logically from the last. Each idea grows until there is a reasonable conclusion, which will be the resolution/conclusion of the paragraph.
In the essay, no sentences are wasted. Each sentence must be logically connected to the sentence before and after it.